Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his skin condition.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether it is related to military service. The respiratory disorder claim was denied.

The Veteran's acne scars prior to April 21, 2014 resulted in hyperpigmentation and abnormal skin texture exceeding six square inches, warranting a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7800.

The case is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination during an active phase of the service-connected tinea versicolor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and skin disorder (chloracne) are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's tinnitus is presumed to be due to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has ordered additional development for spine and skin examinations during flare-ups, as well as a VA dermatologist's examination. The case is being remanded to the AOJ for these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed skin conditions are not etiologically related to service, including herbicide exposure in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively result in the permanent loss of use of both lower extremities, precluding locomotion without the aid of a wheelchair. However, because he is eligible for assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. § 2101(a) in acquiring specially adapted housing, he cannot also receive a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be decided, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected dermatitis.

The Veteran's skin disorder to include chloracne, tinnitus, and vertigo were not service-connected. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for worsening of tinnitus was denied as it is a cognizable issue under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for vertigo was also denied due to lack of evidence supporting an additional disability.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for chloracne and granted it based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The Veteran's current diagnosis of chloracne is considered due to his in-service exposure during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and prostate cancer, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU based on the combined rating of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's initial TDIU claim was granted effective April 15, 2011. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to that date remains on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected right medial thigh scar is rated at 10 percent since October 23, 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin disability, including itching and rash symptoms, is related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations have been granted, with effective dates ranging from April 29, 2008 to May 13, 2009. The specific conditions include a left knee disorder, foot disorders (pes planus and hallux valgus), left eye disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), degenerative joint disease of the right knee, ankle tendinosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and shoulder rotator cuff tear.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, effective from May 2012. The Veteran now suffers from limitation of extension to 20 degrees and slight lateral instability.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's dermatitis is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his condition does not warrant a higher evaluation as it does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a separate bilateral foot disability other than psoriasis, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support higher evaluations for right knee instability or left hip strain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of the RO to send a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) to his current address. The SSOC must be sent to the correct address and he will have an opportunity to respond before the case can be returned for further review.